ARLINGTON, Va. – Fifteen members of the Washington Capitals took part in an informal skate Wednesday morning at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, but the team’s No. 1 center was noticeably absent.

Instead, Nicklas Backstrom was in Michigan to meet with a medical specialist regarding an injury he suffered Dec. 26. Backstrom spent part of the NHL lockout with Dynamo Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League, but has not played since the injury occurred.

There is still no official word as to what specifically is ailing the 25-year-old Swede. General Manager George McPhee said Tuesday he could not comment on Backstrom’s health with the new collective bargaining agreement not yet ratified.

Initial reports suggested that Backstrom suffered a neck injury, although there is growing concern that the he may be suffering from his second concussion in less than a year.